Rapid deployment module carrier

ABSTRACT

A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM&#39;s). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,941entitled “RAPID DEPLOYMENT MODULE CARRIER”, filed Apr. 30, 2009, andowned by the Applicants hereof, and hereby expressly incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The presently claimed invention relates to motor vehicles and moreparticularly to vehicles with interchangeable modular payloadsspecifically designed for emergency response and military applications.

2. Background Art

When an emergency response agency wants to expand capabilities itnormally needs to invest large amounts of their budget to acquirespecialized equipment, such as vehicles to provide a specific type ofservice. To avoid this costly alternative, vehicles with removablepayloads are being used. This provides a single vehicle with varyingtypes of modular payloads for particular uses. There are several priorart modular vehicles. Some of these include US Patent Application Pub.No. US 2008/0017426 A1 which describes a modular vehicle system forconfiguring the core of the vehicle as desired by exchanging modules.Another prior art device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,946 whichdescribes a system for exchanging a chassis mounted truck body ormodular container for refuse trucks. These prior art systems are veryrudimentary in positioning and locking the modular payload system on thevehicle. With our vehicle being a high dollar piece of equipment, it canbe limited to a single purchase and funds can be directed to expandingthe RDM variants that are much more affordable. All this combined makesa versatile and economical piece of equipment

The problem itself starts with the lack of availability of versatiledesigns on the market. The majority of designs used today are veryexpensive and are usually sole purpose vehicles. The function beingperformed today is in the form of military vehicles but only the modularaspect of the design. Previous designs have been geared towardsmodularity in military vehicles. The systems are specifically for thevehicles weapon system and operator compartment and allows the primaryweapon of the vehicle to be converted as well as operator cabin seatingconfiguration. These designs convert the entire vehicle including thebody, cabin and the operating systems.

Previous designs are very specific requiring lengthy training for theoperation of the vehicle. The area that seems most problematic is thecomplexity of the conversion process. This process requires aspecialized garage for conversion as well as heavy equipment to lift theconversion modules. This entire process is time consuming by a crew oftrained operators and eliminates the possibility of conversion in thefield by the vehicle operators themselves. The first problem thesedesigns encounter is that they are very expensive both to the consumerand for production, limiting the availability to emergency responseagencies. The second problem these designs fail to solve is the abilityto stock multiple conversion modules due to the complexity of thedesigns, meaning the modules would be at headquarters awaitingconversion instead of the mobilization area where they are needed duringactual operations

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosure of the Invention

The rapid deployment module carrier (RDMC) is a vehicle platform andsystem designed to deploy rapid deployment modules to limited access offroad areas in an efficient and swift manner. The RDMC has a tube frameoff road vehicle platform with integrated pneumatic suspensioncomponents designed specifically for the loading and deploying of theRapid Deployment Module (RDM) without the use of external equipment ortools. The vehicle incorporates a rear frame platform for the mountingof the RDM via pneumatic lock and pin system. RDM's are modular podvariants that quickly mount and become integrated on the RDMC vehiclesystem. RDM variants include mission specific modules also the abilityto retrofit any existing equipment to the RDM platform including, butnot limited to, emergency medical equipment, disaster responseoperations, mass casualty emergencies and homeland security operations.

The objective of the RDMC vehicle is to provide users with a “one sizefits all” solution to emergency responders. This provides the resourceto make emergency response by agencies more efficient as well asreducing calls to deployment delays due to multiple response agenciesand isolated capabilities. Additionally, the RDMC is a cost efficientoption for agencies with lower Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratingsand budgets to expand specialized response capabilities. This isachieved by limiting large purchase expenses to one RDMC vehicle whilestill allowing the agency to expand capabilities with the RDM variantsat a much lower cost than a separate specialized vehicle.

The claimed invention requires no tools or outside equipment forconversion and can be converted by only one person with minimaltraining. Further, due to the versatility of the RDMC, it can reach abroad target market without altering the basic design of the vehicle.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features, and further scope ofapplicability of the presently claimed invention will be set forth inpart in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedby practice of the claimed invention. The objects and advantages of theclaimed invention may be realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose ofillustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to beconstrued as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a RDM affixed to an RDMC.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the RDMC without a RDM.

FIG. 3 depicts a typical demount procedure.

FIG. 4 shows the preferred pneumatic suspension components.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of locking system.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the locking system in an unlockedconfiguration.

FIG. 7 is a side view of locking system in a locked configuration.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the rotational clip.

FIG. 9 shows the control panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Best Modes for Carrying Out theInvention

There are several modular vehicles presently in the market; however tomount and demount large pieces of equipment and deploying them quicklyand efficiently to a response area is often lost among today's designs.The Rapid Deployment Module Carrier (RDMC) overcomes the deficiencies inthe prior art systems. Another unique feature of the RDMC is that thedesign is based around an automatic/manual principal for all criticalcomponents. This feature reduces the chance of system control failuredue to the simplicity of the design. Additionally, the present design isvery simple to use so that training and operation objectives areachieved by any operator using the least amount of time possible, and isnot dependent on the mechanical background or experience of theoperator.

The RDMC is particularly useful as a modular emergency response vehicle.The design is appealing to EMS and fire departments as well as variousgovernment agencies, specifically special operations and mobile supportunits. With the mobility and modularity, key points of the vehicle aredevoted to remote support operations such as deployed communicationrelay units and remote power generation units. Another unique feature ofthe unit is the ability to house all resource units for homelandsecurity operations. The vehicle can also incorporate key units fordisaster response and border patrol operations. The utility of thevehicle is extremely broad considering that the vehicle is designed tointegrate any qualifying equipment to be converted to an RDM status.

First, a brief overview of the operative components is provided. FIG. 1is a side view of the RDMC 10 with an affixed Rapid Deployment Module(RDM) 12 or payload. As shown, RDMC 10 can be equipped with modular bodypanels 14 that allow for rapid integration of differing types of armordepending on weight and threat requirements. Modular mounts 16 can beprovided to accommodate differing engine types. The chassis ispreferably a tube type chassis 18 made from chromium molybdenum alloy.This configuration maintains a low weight and high strength platform. Along travel suspension 20 can be integrated with pneumatic assistedcomponents to high speed stability for all types of terrain and alsoprovides clearance for RDM 12 loading and unloading.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the RDMC 10 without an RDM. High intensitydischarge (HID) lighting 34 reduces the load on the alternator, whichresults in additional power for other operating systems. Pneumatic rideheight and RDM locking controls 24 are preferably located inside thevehicle which allows the operator to make adjustments without exitingthe vehicle. Heim joints and delrin bushings 26 maintain closetolerances, extends service life, and are easily maintained and/orreplaced. Pneumatic suspension assist components 28 are preferablylocated in the front and rear compartment of RDMC 10. Primary pneumaticactuated RDM to platform locking system 30 can be located on the vehiclebed as shown, or in any other location on the vehicle. Secondary lockingsystem 32 ensures the RDM is locked to RDMC platform in the event of afailure primary locking system 30.

The innovative feature of the disclosed design is the ability to adaptand convert between variants in short periods of time. To achieve this,the design incorporates simplicity and reliability reducing the numberof systems and components that could fail. The modular system is a plugand play system eliminating the need for specialized training requiredfor conversion of the unit. All locking systems are pneumaticallyoperated and have self aligning mounting points. During the mountingprocess the RDM connects to a universal outlet plug equipped on theRDMC. This allows the main operating systems to be on the RDMC and savesspace for the backup systems that are used while the RDM is deployed inthe field.

Again referring to FIG. 1, RDMC 10 is in neutral position ready fortransport. RDM 12 is engaged and operational for deployment. RDM can bepowered by onboard support systems or has the option of self sustainingoperating systems. The RDMC suspension system adapts for variations inpayload and RDM weight. FIG. 3 depicts a typical demount procedure. RDMsupport legs 24 are released via pin lock or the like and lowered intoposition and locked into place via support guides 22. ROM support legs24 and support guides 22 are preferably hinged with a rotating hinge 38to allow for rotational movement and support. Each RDM support leg 24can have a metal tube body with an internal metal tube of smallerdiameter allowing the inner tube to slide in and out telescopically whenadjusting length. Referring to FIG. 3, exploded view A shows theexemplary RDM support legs 24 and their operational features. As shown,rotating hinge 38 can be a uniball spherical bearing, or the like toprovide rotational movement and the ability to support the weight of RDM12. RDM support legs have an outer tube 33 and a telescopic inner tube35. RDM support legs 24 also preferably have an internal manual,pneumatic or electronic driven ram 23 that will allow linear adjustmentof each RDM leg 24 via telescopic inner tube 35. Ram 23 is affixed toleg 24 via push pin 27 through billet block 29, as shown. Bushings 31provide stability for telescopic inner tube 35. Pressure sensor 25 isaffixed to bottom plate 37, with wiring harness 39 to wire sensors tocontrol panel 36, as shown. Pressure sensor 25 can be a pressuresensitive pad or a proximity sensor. The preferred configuration willhave 4 RDM legs, one on each corner or two on each side. Once RDMsupport legs 24 are properly positioned and proximity sensors 25 confirmcontact via a lowering action provided by ram 23, the locking mechanism,described more fully below, is disengaged. RDMC 10 is lowered viapneumatic suspension components 28, and is driven away from thesupported RDM 12, leaving RDM 12 on support legs 24 for rapid pickup andtransport or lowered to ground level for extended operation periods.Optionally, RDM 12 can be fully operational without RDMC 10 supportsystems. RDMC 10 is cleared and ready for additional RDM deployment.Pneumatic suspension components 28 are then adjusted due to the removalof RDM 12 and the original shock spring rate is returned to normal.

The preferred pneumatic suspension components 28 are shown in FIG. 4.These components work in unison to lower and lift RDMC 10 for mounting,demounting and positioning a RDM 12. Double acting pneumatic cylinders40 are used primarily for the raising of RDM mounting platform 42 duringengagement and lowering of RDM platform 42 during disengagement. Thepreferred double acting cylinders are E type pneumatic cylinders affixedto RDM suspension 20. Cylinder pressure and length is controlled byinput from RDM position sensors during engagement and disengagementprocesses, as described below. Cylinder control valves 44 can be linkedto a control system 36 to activate and deactivate electric solenoids toprovide, monitor and release pressure at predetermined pressures (notshown). The preferred cylinder control valves 44 and automated valvesthat alternate between compression strokes and extension strokesdepending on the process currently in use and during transportation willallow cylinder pressure and length retention. Long travel suspensioncomponents 46 allow for a wide range of motion for RDM engagement. Frontsuspension can have a standard A-arm or A-arm/J-arm, which allows for afull 24 inches of control while the rear is a four link live axle systemallowing a full 36 inches for RDM engagement. Modified coilover shockabsorbers and triple bypass shocks 48, front and rear, control the RDMengagement system during transport.

Another unique aspect of the claimed invention is the locking mechanism.The locking mechanism has a three lock system. Referring to FIG. 4,locking apparatuses 50 are used to secure RDM 12. RDM 12 is lowered intoposition by lowering RDM locking receivers 66 into locking apparatuses50 which are located inside of frame 43. Six locking apparatuses 50 areoptimally used, with RDM locking receivers 66 to compliment each other.Although, this example uses six locking apparatuses, the number can bevaried depending on the configuration and weight of RDM 12. The sixlocking apparatuses are distributed with three locks on one side andthree on the other side. In addition, one or more top locks can be usedwith RDM top lock aperture 68 and RDMC top lock aperture 70, with onelock on one side and one on the other side. These top locks can bemanually locked with a “T” shaped push pin 67 inserted to further secureRDM 12 to RDMC 10.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show the preferred lock configuration which is anexploded view of B of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a′perspective view of lockingsystem B, FIG. 6 is a side view of B in an unlocked configuration, FIG.7 is a side view of locking system B in a locked configuration and FIG.8 is a front view of the rotational clip. The preferred locking systemhas a three step of three locking systems, which are engagedsequentially by pressing engage button 74 of control panel 36. Thepreferred locking system B consists of a locking arm 54, locking pin 56,rotating clip 58, load cell 60, locking arm bracket 62, andpneumatic/hydraulic ram 64. Locking arm 54 is attached to locking armbracket 62 and is driven forward and backwards by pneumatic/hydraulicram 64, which is preferably a powered ram. The forward and backwardmovement of pneumatic/hydraulic ram 64 rotates locking arm 54 from anunlocked position, FIG. 6 to a locked position, FIG. 7. Locking arm 54is lowered to engage bottom plate 65 of locking receiver 66. This is thefirst locking mechanism. The second system is a locking pin 56 that isinserted between a first locking pin receiver or a first locking pinbracket 67, a locking pin plate 71 and a second locking pin receiver ora second locking pin bracket 69, via a pneumatic cylinder 84 andpneumatic ram 86. This second lock secures locking receiver 66 to frame43. The third locking mechanism is a rotating clip 58 that engageslocking pin 56 as shown in FIG. 8. The rotational movement for rotatingclip 58 is provided by servo motor 59.

To disengage, as shown in FIG. 6, rotating clip 58 is rotated, releasinglocking pin 56, locking pin is withdrawn from first locking pin bracket69, a locking pin plate 71 and a second locking pin bracket 67.Pneumatic/hydraulic ram 64 is driven backwards, pulling locking arm 54away from bottom plate 65 of locking receiver 66, which allows forremoval of locking receivers 66. This process is performed in reverse ofthe locking process and is activated by pressing disengage button 76 ofcontrol panel 36.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the system also has load cells 60 affixedto RDMC 10 to accept bottom plate 65 to assist in locating and sensingthe correct mounting of RDM 12. This configuration also provides asensor to verify alignment for the engagement.

FIG. 9 is a view of the RDMC control panel 36. Control panel 36 ispreferably mounted in the center of the vehicle dash inside the RDMC cabfor easy access by the user. Control panel 36 controls the automatedengagement and disengagement of the RDM modules 12 with an onboardcomputer. Control panel 36 can be mounted on a hinged panel that willallow the panel to be raised and a compartment underneath can house fullmanual override controls of the RDMC and the RDM engagement anddisengagement process. Control panel 36 has buttons for automaticengagement 74 and disengagement 76 of locking system 50, heightadjustment switch 78 to raise and lower RDMC via pneumatic suspensioncomponents 28, and light emitting diode (LED) indicators 80, or the likefor lock and RDM engagement status for each lock 50. Additionally,control panel 36 can have load cell readouts 82, showing the load fromeach of load cells 60. Again, six load cells are shown in this example;however this disclosure is not limited to this number.

The demounting procedure for RDM 12 from. RDMC 10 is as follows.Referring to FIGS. 2-8, RDM 12 is raised to a specified height by RDMC10. RDMC platform is raised via pneumatic suspension components 28.During start of the sequence, height adjust 78 of control panel 36 isset to raise, causing cylinders in the pneumatic suspension components28 to be pressurized for extension raising of RDMC platform 10 tomaximum height allowing clearance for RDM stands 24 to be dropped intoposition. Control system 36 activates height adjust 78 to lower RDMCplatform 10 via pneumatic suspension components 28 by bypassing pressureto compression side of cylinder lowering RDM platform 10. The RDMC'ssuspension will continue until one of the RDM legs 24 contact sensors 25comes into contact with a surface or trips. Pneumatic suspension 28 willstop retracting and the un-tripped RDM stands legs 24 will begin toextend until each of the contact sensors 25 or contact switches aretripped. The lowering operation ceases when all ROM stand proximitysensors 25 confirm contact. When all contact switches 25 are tripped,locking system 50 is ready to disengage. Disengage button 76 of controlpanel 36 is pressed causing RDM locks 50 to disengage. RDMC is thenlowered via height adjust switch 78 of control panel 36, via pneumaticsuspension 28 to a desired height to allow sufficient clearance of RDMCplatform 10 from RDM 12. RDMC 10 is then driven away from suspended RDM12.

The mounting procedure for mounting RDM 12 onto RDMC 10 is as follows.Referring to FIGS. 2-8, RDMC 10 is lowered by engaging the height adjustswitch to lower RDMC platform 10, via pneumatic suspension 28. RDMC 10is then positioned with the platform under a suspended RDM 12. RDMC 10Engagement button 74 of control panel 36 is pressed, causing pneumaticsuspension 28 to extend, raising RDMC platform 10. When all load cells60 show proper values, the locking procedure begins. Pneumatic/hydraulicram 64 starts to extend and engages bottom plate 65. The three lockingmechanisms are engaged as described above, and all load cell indicatorsshow an engaged status 80 on control panel 36, the RDMC is in a “fullylocked” status. RDMC 10 with mounted RDM 12 is ready for use.

Although the claimed invention has been described in detail withparticular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodimentscan achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of thepresently claimed invention will be obvious to those skilled in the artand it is intended to cover in all such modifications and equivalents.The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, andpublications cited above, are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A method of mounting a removable platform onto a vehicle, the methodcomprising the steps of; lowering the vehicle to a predetermined height;locating the vehicle under the removable platform; raising the vehicleto a predetermined height; and engaging a three stage locking system tolock the removable platform onto the vehicle.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the steps of lowering and raising the vehicle comprisesadjusting a pressure in at least one pneumatic suspension componentdisposed on the vehicle.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising thestep of adjusting a height of the platform.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein the step of locating the vehicle comprises aligning at least oneaperture in a frame of the vehicle with a locking receiver protrudingfrom the platform.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the stepof sensing and verifying a position of the platform on the vehicle withat least one load cell.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofengaging a three stage locking system comprises the substeps of:actuating at least one first locking apparatus, comprising rotating alocking arm disposed on a frame of the vehicle onto a locking receiverdisposed on the platform comprising an engagement bottom plate disposedon the locking receiver and a ram for moving the locking arm onto theengagement bottom plate; actuating at least one second locking mechanismcomprising inserting a moveable locking pin disposed on said frame intoa locking pin plate disposed on the locking receiver; and actuating atleast one third locking apparatus comprising engaging a rotating clipaffixed to the vehicle over an end of the locking pin.
 7. A system forexchanging a removable platform from a vehicle comprising; a vehiclechassis having a frame; the removable platform comprising supportinglegs for supporting the removable platform when disengaged from thevehicle, said supporting legs further comprising telescopicallyretracting and protracting legs; a pneumatic suspension on said vehiclefor raising and lowering the vehicle chassis to and from the removableplatform; a three stage locking system to engage and disengage theremovable platform to the vehicle; and an automatic engagement anddisengagement system for automatically retracting and protracting thelegs, raising and lowering the pneumatic suspension and for engaging anddisengaging the three stage locking system.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the frame comprises receiving apertures for receiving lockingreceivers disposed on the platform.
 9. The system of claim 7 wherein thesupporting legs further comprise foldable legs.
 10. The system of claim9 wherein the foldable legs comprise foldable leg supports.
 11. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the supporting legs further comprise contactsensors affixed to a bottom of each supporting leg to automatically stopthe protraction of the leg.
 12. The system of claim 7 wherein the threestage locking system comprises: at least one first locking mechanismcomprising a moveable locking arm disposed on a frame of the vehicle andfurther comprising a locking receiver disposed on the platform, anengagement bottom plate disposed on the locking receiver and a ram formoving the locking arm onto and from said engagement bottom plate; atleast one second locking mechanism comprising a moveable locking pindisposed on said frame and at least one locking pin plate disposed onsaid locking receiver and a means for pushing and pulling said lockingpin into the locking pin plate; and at least one third locking mechanismcomprising a rotating clip disposed on said frame for engaging anddisengaging an end of the locking pin.
 13. The system of claim 7 whereinthe automatic engagement and disengagement system further comprises acontrol panel for monitoring and controlling the engagement anddisengagement system.
 14. The system of claim 7 wherein the pneumaticsuspension comprises a pneumatic assisted suspension.